My parents were just dissuading me to pursue architecture, where my retort was “then who’s gonna build your houses in future?”

My dad replied matter-of-factly: “you don’t need to build my house, leave that to those goondus”.

That’s my parents for you. Modern, yet patriots when it comes to pragmatism - This is why i believe that pragmatism is a distinct Singaporean trait.

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Call me a dreamer, an idealist, or whatever, but i believe that houses are essential; a refuge: they not only provide you shelter from the rain and sun, they also ensure a certain level of sanitation, and the walls also keep your secrets; safe, away from the sinister ears of others.

Housing, food and education are also the core of every developing country trying to make it right, yet i believe that housing is the basis for the other two. When you live in a fortified place: your food is safe from looters, you’ve got a place to study and keep warm, you’ve found a place where you belong; a home.